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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Hubert Bird didn’t realise he was lonely, until he needed to find some new friends... fast. His story reminds us that loneliness is universal and beautiful friendships can come from anywhere if we let them.
Review:
This was April’s pick for Beth’s Bookclub. I was really looking forward to starting this as the plot sounded great and I really enjoyed Gayle’s previous book, Half a world away.
Personally I found it a little difficult to get in to. I almost never DNF a book but at about 20% in I was seriously considering it. It was only at about 40% that I really got in to it, and when I did I was glad that I stuck it out.
Hubert’s is a very lovable character and the alternating time narrative gives you a really great insight in to who he is. The supporting characters are all lovely and add to the story well, for the most part. Personally I’m not sure how much the storyline around Hubert’s son really added to the book.
There are some wonderful surprises in the second half of the book and you’re rooting for Hubert throughout.
I do wish the book ended one chapter sooner. The penultimate chapter would have been a lovely ending and I felt like the last chapter let the book down a little.
For me this was a book of two halves. I really enjoyed the second half but the first half was too slow, and so only a 3.5 star for me.
Review:
This was April’s pick for Beth’s Bookclub. I was really looking forward to starting this as the plot sounded great and I really enjoyed Gayle’s previous book, Half a world away.
Personally I found it a little difficult to get in to. I almost never DNF a book but at about 20% in I was seriously considering it. It was only at about 40% that I really got in to it, and when I did I was glad that I stuck it out.
Hubert’s is a very lovable character and the alternating time narrative gives you a really great insight in to who he is. The supporting characters are all lovely and add to the story well, for the most part. Personally I’m not sure how much the storyline around Hubert’s son really added to the book.
There are some wonderful surprises in the second half of the book and you’re rooting for Hubert throughout.
I do wish the book ended one chapter sooner. The penultimate chapter would have been a lovely ending and I felt like the last chapter let the book down a little.
For me this was a book of two halves. I really enjoyed the second half but the first half was too slow, and so only a 3.5 star for me.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
I got constantly reminded of A man called Ove, even with the different background and the aspect of racism portrayed here. Just didn’t feel it.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Racial slurs
Moderate: Dementia, Death of parent
12 hour audio was wonderful to listen as Ben Onwukwe brings the Jamaican Herbert to life.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Such a beautiful story of friendship and love.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is nearly impossible to get through if one of your biggest fears or heartaches for others is loneliness. Every chapter gave more insight into why Hubert is the way he is. The big reveal was equally upsetting and the ending offered a realistic but hopeful understanding of community, love and loss. I’m happy this book exists but my goodness I was so sad reading it that I could barely finish it (and maybe I should talk to my therapist about that).
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This kind of reminded me of a happier Man Called Ove. You just love Hubert and route for all the characters. It definitely touches anyone who has ever felt lonely and makes you wonder what you can do in the future to live, love, and help others.